A tubular tire is a lightweight tire that has the tube permanently sewn inside the casing and is then glued to the rim. A few advantages accompany the tubular tire over the clincher style such as lighter rims, less prone to pinch flats and the possibility of higher pressure inflation than clincher type tires. Tubular tires are often used for competitive racing, quality training and for a ride with a lighter feel.
Step 1
Stretch your tubular tire out by pulling it between your foot and your hands. Rotate the tire 1/4 turn and stretch it again, firmly but gently. You do not want to overstretch the tire.
Step 2
Remove the protective foil on your rim tape from the rim side. Press the tape with your fingers in small sections into the wheel starting from one side of the valve stem hole.
Step 3
Leave a 2-inch to 3-inch gap around the valve stem hole that is not taped. Cut off any excess tape using a pair of scissors.
Step 4
Peel off a 3-inch to 4-inch section of protective foil from the rim tape. Pull it off to the side so it will be available once the tire is on.
Step 5
Place any necessary valve extensions on the valve stem.
Tips and Warnings
- Using rim tape is the easiest way to set a tubular tire on a rim, though there is an alternative way using glue that requires more time and creates more of a mess.
- Be sure to set your tire properly on the rim tape to avoid slippage of the tire while riding.
Things You'll Need
- Tubular tire
- Tubular rim
- Rim tape
- Scissors
- Air compressor or bicycle air pump
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